Milan, Italy Report of what it's like to live there - 01/25/08
Personal Experiences from Milan, Italy
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is the first foreign assignment.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Author is a U.S. Government employee.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Flights from the East Coast take about 8 hours.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most housing is adaquate in size. Most do not have closets and very small balconies. There is no grass to speak of. Marble or hardwood is very common for flooring and wall A/C units are the norm.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Grocery stores are available. They are a lot more expensive compared to the States for both food and household items. The Cost of Living Allowance does not cover the extra amount you pay for items here. Also, the quality of Italian household products is not up to the standards we are accustom to in the U.S.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast food is available such as McDonald's. Resturants are plenty but very expensive and usually an all-night affair. Not good when you have little ones joining you.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
About Euro 8.50 an hour.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Readily available. Although some do not take American debit cards even when it says Visa, Mastercard, etc.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Newspapers are USA Today, Herald Tribune and The Washington Times. For T.V. we have a Slingbox and are able to watch DirecTV from the States. We also have the Armed Forces Network box.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It is a must to know the language. Most Italians, if they know English, won't speak it.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The city is not handicap friendly in the least! Even strollers have problems here. Skinny sidewalks and hardly ever a sidewalk ramps to get to the street.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right-side, like the U.S.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They are safe and most are affordable but they have strikes on a regular basis.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Don't bring a big SUV or American sports car. You will draw attention to yourself, sometimes unwanted!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, provider is FastWeb and it is more expensive than the States.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
A must. You can obtain them at the U.S. Military Bases if you have access.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
We have Vonage.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes. We unfortunately lost a cat while here and the care he received prior to his departure was good and also affordable.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No. Like it has been mentioned before you must speak the language.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Don't wear your sweats and tennis shoes to the corner store or they will think you are homeless!
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Very unhealthy. Much worse than U.S. cities. Allergies seem to be a big problem. The smog is also a major issue especially if you wear contact lenses.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Residential crime in on the rise as is being assaulted while entering you car. That said, we feel safe walking around the city during the day and early evening as long as we are in a group.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The American Medical Center is good but difficult to get to via the Metro and absolutely no parking to be had in the area. But both of the doctors are English-speaking and educated in the States.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Spring is the nicest season here! Summer is hot, fall is nice and winter is the typical European winter: dreary, foggy, cold and wet.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Schools are very expensive and these outrageous prices trickle down to extra cirricular activities, if they are provided. Most of the schools in Milan are private and provide a better education than most U.S. public school systems. But when compared to private schools in the U.S., I would have to say the U.S. has Milan beat. The American School of Milan does now offer non multi-age classes for the lower school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
Poor. The consulate community could use some work! There is Not a real sense of family.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
If you enjoy going out for drinks after work then this is the place for you. If you don't drink and don't like wine then good luck!!
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This is a better city for couples without kids. The city has very little for kids to do and the public pools in the summer are filthy as are the parks. Singles in the past have not enjoyed their time here and are bored and/or lonely.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I would imagine so.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I have seen or heard.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The Castello Museum and the Leonardo Di Vinci Museum. Other than that, you are better off leaving the city.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
If you have any money left -- designer handbags, clothes and gas coupons to get out of the city and to all those places you have heard about!
9. Can you save money?
No, you will go into debt unless you are a hermit.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No Way!!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
Patience!
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Milan is place to visit once but not to live.
